USBL completes 2001 draft

by USBL Press Release
April 11, 2001 - United States Basketball League (USBL)

USBL Press release

MILFORD, CT - The United States Basketball League (USBL) held its Sixteenth Annual Draft Tuesday night via teleconference call from the League Headquarters. The DRAFT was broadcast live at the USBL's Internet Site: www.usbl.com. A total of 60 players were selected in the six-round Draft. Robert Parish who will be making his 2001 coaching debut, made George Evans from George Mason the number one pick for the Maryland Mustangs.

"Evans who is from Portsmouth, Virginia should take no time to get adjusted to the new environment," said Robert Parish. "I have learned a great deal throughout my many years playing in the NBA and I hope that my playing experience will help Evans reach the next level."

Pennsylvania, who had the second pick overall because of a trade with Oklahoma chose Victor Thomas a 6'7" forward out of La Salle University. "We feel that Thomas is a great choice because he is not afraid to attack the basket or take an outside shot," said Mike Sweet, General Manager for the ValleyDawgs.

The highlight of the Draft was the second round pick by the Dodge City Legend, who chose Jackie Stiles of South West Missouri State. Stiles is one of the top women basketball players in the country. "This is great publicity for the Dodge City Legend and the USBL," said Tom Nelson. "I feel that this is just as great as us winning the USBL Championship last season and Stiles will bring tremendous exposure to Dodge City."

Stiles was the fifth woman in USBL history to be drafted (19th overall) by a team in the USBL. Cheryl Miller, was the first women to be drafted (101st overall) by the Staten Island Stallions in 1986; Saudia Roundtree in 1996 by the Treasure Coast Tropics (85th overall); Sheryl Swoops in 1993 by the Daytona Beach Hooters (44th overall) and Rebecca Lobo by the Jersey Turnpikes in 1995 (77th overall).

Other First Round Selections include: Greg Springfield (Hofstra, Center, 6-9) to the Brooklyn Kings; Kelvin Wilkins (Seton Hall, 6-7, Forward) to the Atlantic City Seagulls; Carlos Arroyo (FIU, 6-2, Guard) to the Lakeland Blue Ducks; Calvin Bowman (West Virginia,6-9, Forward) to the Long Island Surf; Rashad Phillips (Detroit, 5-10, Guard) to the Florida Sea Dragons; Darren Kelly (Texas, 6-3, Guard) to the Kansas Cagerz; Travis Williams (Hampton, 6-9, Forward) to the Oklahoma Storm and Paul Shirley (Iowa State, 6-10, Center) to the Dodge City Legend.

• Discuss this story on the United States Basketball League message board...

United States Basketball League Stories from April 11, 2001

• USBL completes 2001 draft - OSC Original by USBL Press Release

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.